A's manager Bob Melvin concerned about Jarrod Parker

DETROIT — The news concerning A's starting pitchers has been uniformly good, but on Tuesday manager Bob Melvin expressed some concern about the status of Monday starter Jarrod Parker.

Melvin took Parker out of the American League Division Series Game 3 after the minimum five innings needed to get the win. Parker had a quick fifth inning, thanks in part to a double play, but he'd given up three runs in the fourth.

Oakland was ahead 6-3 at the time he was lifted, and he'd only thrown 74 pitches, so there was no overriding need seen at the time to remove Parker.

The A's level of concern seems to be relatively mild given that there is no plan to have Parker checked out by a medical specialist.

At the same time because this is the post-season, the A's have to consider options. Brett Anderson, currently the long man in the bullpen is one. Another is A.J. Griffin, who is trying to work his way back after a bout with a sore arm. And lefty Tommy Milone, who is not on the roster but who is traveling with the team, could also be considered.